Welcome Letter from Dorothy Height - 2006 Dinner
Dear Colleagues and Friends:
Welcome!
We are united this evening at the largest gathering of the civil and human rights community – the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights' Hubert H. Humphrey Civil Rights Award Dinner. Tonight is particularly significant as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the prestigious Humphrey Award, the civil rights community's highest honor.
On behalf of our LCCR Executive Committee, I extend hearty congratulations and best wishes to this year's honorees: Monica Lozano and the film "Crash."
The Humphrey Award is given for "selfless and devoted service in the cause of equality," and honors the legacy of the former United States Vice President, Senator and civil rights pioneer. Recipients are recognized for their outstanding contributions to the advancement of civil and human rights for all. Using two different media – a film that confronts the reality of racial and ethnic tension in America, and a newspaper that addresses the nation's fastest growing population – these awardees have made a real difference in how Americans can better understand themselves." Our awardees mirror the principles that Hubert Humphrey stood for, and they are a true testament to his legacy.
Founded in 1950, LCCR is the oldest and largest civil and human rights coalition in the United States. The coalition is as diverse as our nation and includes 193 organizations representing persons of color, women, children, older Americans, individuals with disabilities, gays and lesbians, labor unions, major religious groups, and civil liberties and human rights groups. The work of our coalition is vital; working as one is the only way we can hope to ensure the rights of all Americans.
Tonight, I extend sincerest gratitude to our generous sponsors and the 2006 Dinner Committee whose contributions have made tonight's dinner possible. I am particularly grateful to our Dinner chairs: Kathryn Brown of Verizon, Jeff Rechenbach of Communications Workers of America and Tim McKone of AT&T.
Everyone present tonight has a role to play in advancing civil and human rights. All of you have our utmost appreciation for your continued support and commitment as together we strive to achieve equality, equal opportunity and justice for all.
Gratefully,
Dorothy I. Height
Honorary Chair
Chairperson, LCCR
Chair and President Emeritus, National Council of Negro Women
